Max707

At first I was not WOW'ed by the design of the SC430 and wanted a SL500. Well the longer I own the SC430 and drive it, the more I like the SC430 and the SL500 doesn't look as good. I'm not saying the SL500 doesn't look great, but the SC430 is starting to look better then the SL500. I've also found that every woman I ask likes the SC430 as much or more then the SL500. I just find that anymore when I see a new Mercedes, BMW, etc. design that at first it looks kind of strange and then the more I see them the more I like them. Just wondering if it has to do with some new design element that links to some part of the brain and the design grows on you?

vraa

iTrader: (2)

SL500 design > *

The SL is the only convert that looks great to me with the top down and top up. I'm not the only one who'll say that either. The SC430 to me isn't ugly, but it's not pretty either. A sports car shouldn't be like that.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

everything is personal preference, but i have to say i like the sl500 exterior styling a lot more than the sc430 as well. we got the sc430 just coz' we think the sc430 is a better car overall

no one knows about the new design yet, but seems like it will be here in 1-2 yrs

petergerst

Sorry,
I have to say I think the SL500 looks like so many other cars, nothing really unusual, nothing new from years past. I still remember when I first saw the SC430 and I said that it was the most unusual beautifully designed convertible on the road. I remember when I first sat in the SC430 and remember how luxurious it felt....I went out and bought one that Spring. I also have a buddy of mine who drives the SL500 and has nothing but problems with his roof. He leased the car and is currently in litigation with a lemon lawyer because Mercedes will not compensate him for the 6 or 7 times he had to leave the car in the shop for a week to get the roof fixed. He's still afraid to put the roof down if he thinks it might rain later in the day. I was once in the car with him and we had to wait under an underpass for nearly 2 hours since we could not get the roof to go back up. Beware, the SL500 convertible roof is UNRELIABLE and filled with problems. Just check consumer reports. I might consider leasing a Mercedes SL500 but never would I consider buying one. I tell you the car is not that reliable. Sorry.

Gojirra99

I like both Exteriorwise, I like the SL more, but the interior, I like the SC430 better. I do think the SC430 looks great from certain angles though, but the butt does look fat at certain angles especially with light colors.

I have to say though is I think the SL with the roof up doesn't look that great in side profile, whereas I actually like the look of the SC430 more with the roof up - especially the side profile. Looks very unique, futuristic & exotic. With the roof down, the windshield looks too tiny compared to the rest of the body . . .

Max707

There is no question that the SC430 is a better car, build quality, reliablity, it's quicker. But I am talking about "looks" design and how it draws you in over time. I also love the looks of the SL500, who doesn't, but I am a car guy. I just think it is interesting when I ask women they tend to like the SC430??? Maybe I'm not asking the right women but I thought it was weird that any of them would like the looks of the SC430 over the SL500. I would think everyone would think the SL500 was better looking. But like I said in my first post the SC430 at least in BLACK (but I like Black cars )is growing on me and looks better overtime, where the SL500 doesn't seem to change in my eyes. Just wondering if it is some design issue with the new designs that they are using now?

Radical350

I find that body lines are similar to a song on the radio, in that; it grows on you each time you experience it even when you try to resist. An interesting mystery not easily understood. I think the SC430 has an undefinable quality that is attractive. The SL500 has a more obvious attraction.

vraa

iTrader: (2)

If there was a SC430 with some nice wide rims and a decent deck lid, I'd call it pretty.

Gojirra99

I agree, to me it's the sculpture like quality you rarely find in other cars, it's like a piece of artwork.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I like the looks of the SL more. It looks more macho, yet has the body curves and details to make it look classy. The SC430, whils it's a great car, is a bit plain when it comes to fine details (exterior-wise).

kietlander

i dunno but i will take this over a SL500 anyday

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

The SC 430 is nice but I think the SL does look a little better. Put some rims on the SC 430 and it would really shine. However i'd probably go with the SC 430 because the interior is just great looking if you ask me! Interior is the most important factor when buying a car for me.

vraa

iTrader: (2)

Say all you want, but I'd take a SL over the SC430 anyday.
Oh yeah, I did...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the SL is more reliable, or that it's faster, or that it's built to a higher precision; but the overall package of the SL excels.

I would love a SC430; if I can keep the SL as well. It'd be nice to have both worlds.

Max707

If I got a SL, I would want to go with the AMG SL55 or the SL600, now your talkin beasts, plus good looks and if I could afford these beasts I could afford a good extended warranty to cover any problems. Plus like you I would have other nice rides for the times the SL was in the shop. Now don't get me wrong I don't think an SL would be in the shop all that much but I think it would be more then the SC.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

If I could get an SL, it'd be the SL65